Smith's participation is crucial for a 29th-ranked passing game that would emerge as the lowest-ranked air attack to play in the Super Bowl should the Panthers get that far. Carolina's postseason journey starts Sunday against a 49ers defense that's allowed the fewest points per game (14.9) in the NFL since Week 4.

A stingy
Panthers defense led by linebacker
Luke Kuechly aided in a huge down-to-the-wire road win over the
49ers in Week 10. Was it the best moment of 2013?
VOTE NOW

2. Rapoport also reported that the San Diego Chargers expect Ryan Mathews to play on his sprained ankle. The team's workhorse running back is officially active after he didn't practice all week, a departure from his typical schedule of working out Fridays. Mathews led the league in carries over the final five weeks of the season for a run-heavy Chargers outfit that's averaged 39 attempts per game since Week 13.

3. Expect to see Wes Welker (concussion) on Sunday. The Broncos wide receiver practiced all week and is probable after missing Denver's final three games of the season.